Iran could deploy Houthis to block Bab al-Mandeb strait, advisor warns

A senior Middle East analyst warned on Sunday that Iran could retaliate against a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by prompting its Houthi allies to disrupt another critical global shipping route.

Bab el Mandeb, a narrow passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, carries about 12% of global oil shipments and serves as a vital trade corridor between Asia and Europe, making it a strategic target for escalating tensions that could further strain global energy markets.

“If the US continues its plan to blockade the strait, Iran’s strategy of escalating tensions may require ensuring that Gulf countries cannot export.” Mona YacoubianMiddle East Program Director and Senior Advisor told Fox News Digital:

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“This could mean further attacks on the Gulf’s energy infrastructure or even the deployment of the Houthis to blockade Bab al-Mandeb,” Yacoubian added.

Yacoubian’s remarks came after Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor on international affairs to Iran’s Supreme Leader, expressed Tehran’s view on Bab al-Mandeb in light of potential US action to block the Strait of Hormuz.

“Today, the unified command of the Resistance front views Bab al-Mandeb as it views Hormuz,” he said in a post on X.

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Yemeni soldiers patrol the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait (Abdulnasser Alseddik/AP)

“If the White House dares to repeat its foolish mistakes, it will soon realize that the global flow of energy and trade can be disrupted with a single move.”

U.S. Central Command said in a statement Sunday that the naval blockade would begin Monday and “will be enforced against ships of all nations entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.”

President Donald Trump also said in a post on Truth Social that the U.S. Navy would block “all ships attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz.”

In March, US warned ships at Red Sea choke point against Houthi attacks

“The Houthis continue to pose a threat to US assets, including commercial ships in this region.” maritime consultancy Mention was made of the Iran-backed armed group that controls most of North Yemen.

TRUMP GIVES IRAN A 48-HOUR ULTIMATE TO RE-OPEN THE STRAIT OF HORmuz OR TO STRIKE ITS POWER PLANTS

In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall and amphibious assault ship USS Bataan pass through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on August 9, 2023. (Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/U.S. Navy)

“Potential hostile actions include one-way unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks; unmanned surface vehicle (USV) attacks; unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) attacks; ballistic and cruise missile attacks; small arms fire from small boats; explosive boat attacks; and unlawful boardings, detentions, and/or seizures,” he said.

The warning text stated, “US-flagged commercial ships operating in these regions are strongly advised to turn off their AIS transponders.”

Yakoubian also determined that: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) report He said Iran had threatened to expand the conflict towards the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb, further exacerbating disruptions in the global market.

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“The Yemeni proxy could use the Houthis to once again launch attacks on the strategic waterway, depriving Saudi Arabia of the essential workaround for oil shipments given the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.

The Houthis joined Iran’s war against the United States and Israel when the group launched two ballistic missiles into southern Israel on March 28. Both were caught.